Puppy Bowl 2026 Lineup: Meet This Year's Starting Pups
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Time to read 3 min
Puppy Bowl XXII is set to be the biggest in the event's 22-year history. This year's game features a record-breaking 150 rescue dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, all competing for the Lombarky trophy on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Here's a look at some of the standout players taking the field for Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
Team Fluff: Defending Champions
Team Fluff returns to defend their title with a roster built around experience and determination.
Benito (Siberian Husky-Chihuahua mix) comes from The Sato Project, which rescues dogs from Puerto Rico. Named in honor of Bad Bunny, Benito brings confidence and competitive energy to every play.
Showgirl (Chow Chow-Rottweiler mix) arrives from Kentucky Humane Society with serious presence. She's one of the most recognizable players in this year's lineup and plays like it.
Cheesecake (Shih Tzu-Miniature Schnauzer mix) was rescued as part of the Humane Society of Missouri's largest rescue operation in over a decade. In July 2025, the Animal Cruelty Task Force removed 140 dogs from a hoarding situation in Christian County, Missouri. Cheesecake overcame that difficult start and is now ready for the spotlight.
Wynonna (Miniature American Shepherd-Shih Tzu mix) plays with three legs and endless determination. She's a reminder that rescue dogs with disabilities are just as capable and deserving of homes as any other.
Chappell Bone (Pembroke Welsh Corgi) from Florida Little Dog Rescue is already a fan favorite, bringing personality and energy to every moment on and off the field.
Team Ruff: The Challengers
Team Ruff is coming for the title with a deep roster of talented rescue pups.
Lobster Roll (Bulldog-Border Collie mix) represents the Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland in Maine. She plays with purpose and isn't afraid to take charge when the game is on the line.
Brûlée (Boston Terrier-French Bulldog mix) is deaf, but that hasn't slowed him down. Rescued by Green Dogs Unleashed in Virginia, Brûlée is one of Team Ruff's most fearless competitors.
Miso (American Cattle Dog-Beagle mix) brings athleticism and intensity to a roster looking to reclaim the trophy.
Miss Coco (American Staffordshire Terrier-Chow Chow mix) traveled from the British Virgin Islands to compete. She's the first player from BARRK LI and the Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands, representing the event's expanded international reach.
Foggy arrived at the San Francisco SPCA as a stray with an uncertain future. Now he's taking the field on one of television's biggest stages, proof of what shelter organizations can do when they have community support.
New This Year: Senior Dogs Take the Field
For the first time in Puppy Bowl history, senior dogs will compete in their own exhibition game during halftime. The Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown features Team Oldies versus Team Goldies, spotlighting adoptable senior dogs who deserve just as much attention as the puppies.
This addition addresses a real challenge in animal rescue: senior dogs often wait longer for adoption despite being some of the most loyal, well-behaved companions available. The halftime showcase gives them national visibility and a chance to find homes.
Social media creator Isabel Klee (@SimonSits) is fostering one of the senior participants and helping socialize them before the big game.
Special Needs Players
A record 15 puppies with special needs are competing in Puppy Bowl XXII. This includes deaf dogs like Brûlée, three-legged competitors like Wynonna, and puppies like Litchi (French Bulldog-Terrier mix) whose missing ear hasn't affected her dynamic energy.
These players demonstrate what rescue organizations emphasize year after year: dogs with disabilities adapt, thrive, and make incredible companions.
Where the Players Come From
The 72 participating shelters span the country, from major metropolitan rescues to smaller regional organizations. A few highlights:
The Sato Project (New York/Puerto Rico) continues its work rescuing "satos", the Spanish term for street dogs in Puerto Rico. Kentucky Humane Society is sending multiple players including Showgirl and Wynonna. The Humane Society of Missouri's contingent includes dogs rescued from one of the state's largest hoarding cases. And for the first time, the British Virgin Islands has representation through Miss Coco.
Every participating shelter has other dogs available for adoption beyond their Puppy Bowl representatives. If a specific player catches your attention, reaching out to their home shelter can connect you with similar dogs waiting for homes.
Meet Rescue Puppies in Person
If you want to interact with adoptable puppies before game day, Puppy Sphere has partnered with Animal Planet to host Rescue Puppy Yoga sessions in select cities. These events combine a beginner-friendly yoga practice with time spent with rescue puppies, and all net proceeds support local rescue organizations.
Sessions are currently available in Washington D.C. and NYC. It's a hands-on way to support animal welfare while potentially meeting a dog who could become part of your family.
Book a Rescue Puppy Yoga session.
How to Watch
Puppy Bowl XXII airs Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT. The Kickoff Show starts an hour earlier at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT, featuring the Puppy Combine and Puppy Bowl Draft with referee Dan Schachner (returning for his 15th year) and lead trainer Victoria Schade.
Catch the three-hour event on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, or discovery+.
Every dog in the lineup is available for adoption. Visit PuppyBowl.com for the full roster with photos and shelter information.
Puppy Sphere partners with Animal Planet to bring Rescue Puppy Yoga sessions to cities across North America, featuring adoptable puppies from local rescue organizations.